Calzona Aims to Avoid Italy in ‘Paradoxical’ World Cup Playoffs
Francesco Calzona, the head coach of Slovakia, commented on the peculiar situation of Italy’s involvement in the World Cup playoffs. He expressed his concerns about potentially facing the Azzurri in the upcoming qualification phase. According to Calzona, Italy participating in the playoffs represents a “paradox” in the competitive world of football.
Slovakia’s World Cup Qualification Efforts
Slovakia is still in the running to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. They must secure a victory against Germany in an away match scheduled for Monday. Calzona stated, “It will be like a Final, and we’ve already achieved something extraordinary by reaching this point.”
Critique of the Qualification Format
Calzona addressed the controversy surrounding the World Cup qualification format. He voiced his agreement with Italy’s coach Gennaro Gattuso, criticizing the lack of consideration for FIFA rankings during qualifying rounds. Calzona remarked, “Not taking the FIFA ranking into account is another complete nonsense.” He emphasized that the European competition is significantly tougher than in other continents and raised concerns about the qualification process.
Italy’s Strong Performance
Despite criticism regarding the formats, Italy has recently demonstrated impressive form, winning six consecutive matches. This performance has secured them a spot in the playoffs. Calzona acknowledged the challenges faced by teams in Europe, pointing out, “Every win is difficult, and Estonia was a tough opponent for my Slovakia.”
Support for the National Team
Calzona has also addressed the criticism directed at the national team by certain fans. He remarked, “The national team should always be supported, no matter what.” He noted that adjustments take time and that consistent support is vital for establishing team identity.
Looking Ahead
- If Slovakia fails to qualify directly, there is a possibility they could meet Italy in the playoff final.
- Calzona concluded with a hopeful note, stating, “For me, it would still be a half-defeat because I cheer for our national team. Let’s go to the World Cup together.”
In summary, Slovakia’s path to the World Cup hangs in the balance as they prepare for their crucial match against Germany, while Calzona navigates the complexities of international football’s qualifying system.
